Where do you want to live in metro Atlanta? - 01/27/11 11:51 PM
Where do you want to live?  Everyday events give me thoughts for my blog posts. Today I put over 150 miles on my car in Atlanta showing homes.  That's a lot for a metro area and more than I normally do. I was showing homes to out of state buyers who found homes on-line that they liked.  I showed them homes on Tuesday after they came to my office and met with our in house lender to get pre-qualified. Today we looked again in another area but we were all over the place. The houses were similar in size and lot size (over 5 acres).  … (4 comments)

Using Map Based Real Estate Searches - 01/25/11 11:59 PM
Many people when searching for a home in metro Atlanta and Smyrna GA would like to base it on a certain location.  That's why I've decided to incorporate map based searches into my toolbox for Atlanta home buyers.   I am hoping it will be useful to narrow down an area to search within.
… (7 comments)

Real Estate Market Report for Decatur GA - Compared to 18 months ago - 01/24/11 08:28 AM
Real Estate Market Report for Decatur GA - I was reviewing some numbers from where our Decatur GA real estate market was in June of 2009 to now, 18 months later. I often hear people say, oh, I'm waiting until spring to put my home on the market.  I think that's an outdated way of thinking.  Why?
Check out these numbers: For June 2009,  13 Homes sold ranging in price from $165,000 - $680,000.  In December of 2010 we had 28 homes sold ranging from $33,000 to $580,000.  This goes to show that homes do sell in the winter and clearly twice as many … (1 comments)

Changes in 2011 Georgia Property Disclosure Statements - Part 2 - 01/23/11 09:42 PM
What's new in 2011 Georgia Property Disclosure Statements? Plenty, which is why this post is a continuation of the 2011 changes to the Seller's property disclosure in Georgia.  See part 1.  This post and yesterday's highlights the changes to our Seller's disclosure statements. It's important for our buyers to read them and understand them and it's important that the home sellers fill them out.
The Flooding, Drainage, Moisture and Springs section has something new for 2011. Are there now or have there been any water leaks, water accumulation, or dampness within the basement, crawl space or other parts of any dwelling or garage … (0 comments)

Changes in 2011 Georgia Disclosure Statements Part 1 - 01/22/11 06:37 PM
What's new in the 2011 Georgia property disclosure statements?  A lot!  With every new year, comes changes in our Georgia Real Estate contracts and this year's property disclosure statement. I've been reviewing it and it's got some really good and some really subtle but important changes.
There's now instructions on how to fill it out. Did we need instructions? Apparently, otherwise this wouldn't be a new thing. It states:
 A.  In completing this Disclosure Statement, Seller agrees to:
(1) answer all questions in reference to the Property (which, unless otherwise noted, shall include the improvements thereon)
(2) leave no question unanswered
(3) … (3 comments)

Decatur Townhome for Sale - 01/21/11 06:26 PM
Decatur Townhome for Sale -
Walk to Glen Lake Park and Tennis Courts from this beautiful 3 story townhome at Keswick Place. Low maintenance hardwood floors throughout the main living areas and on all stairs. There are 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Just painted and ready to move in. All appliances stay. Sunny open floor plan. Dining room and lower level bedrom have bay windows. The master suite features a spa like master bathroom with jetted tub, dual vanities and separate shower. There's also a generous walk in closet. Ample parking is available in the 2 car rear entry garage. Convenient … (4 comments)

Do you Groupon? Ways to Save this Year - 01/19/11 11:19 PM
Ways to Save this year - Everyone is always looking for a deal or a way to keep more money in their pocket.
I've listed some of my favorite sites that will send daily local deals to your email in box.
Groupon.com- I love Groupon because they have things like housecleaning deals, spa and hair salon deals, restaurants and boutiques. Deals are available to purchase for 1 day only and are good for various periods of time.

Scoutmob.com What can I say? This one rocks too. I get a daily email with the deal for the day. If I like it, I … (7 comments)

Dekalb County Homestead Exemption - 01/18/11 09:11 PM
Dekalb County GA Homestead Exemption - Now is the time to file for homestead exemptions.  (That's where homeowners save money on their property taxes.) If you bought your home in 2010 and lived in it January 1st as your primary legal residence, you can file between now and April 1st.  Once you file, that's it, don't have to file for Homestead Exemption again every year.  If you don't file by April 1, you will not get the exemption for this year.  Current year exemptions must be applied for January 2 through April 1st.  Applications received after April 1st will be processed for the following … (2 comments)

My Agent is not available. Can you show me the house? - 01/17/11 11:01 PM
My Agent is not available. Can you show me the house? Last week I received this phone call. The caller wanted to see a house but said that her agent wasn't available, so she was just calling agents to see who would show it. I explained to her that if she was working with an agent, her agent needed to show her the property.
Buyers, if you are working with an agent talk to your agent when you have questions about the home, the neighborhood, the home owners association and making an appointment to see it. If your agent is never … (15 comments)

Buying Atlanta Foreclosures - 01/16/11 09:43 PM
Buying Atlanta Foreclosures - The following are basics that a metro Atlanta home buyer should know about buying a foreclosure.
There won't be a Seller's disclosure. The bank has never occupied the property and they don't know the history of the house. Foreclosure homes are sold "as is". That doesn't mean that they are in terrible condition. I showed 2 beautiful condition foreclosure homes today. It just means the bank is not in the repair business and doesn't intend to do any repairs. Atlanta Foreclosure properties are selling within less than 1% of the list price. How does this happen? The banks … (3 comments)

Top Tips for Buying Atlanta Investment Property - 01/15/11 01:48 PM
Top Tips for Buying Investment Property
 1. Buy in an area you know. Several times this year I’ve gotten calls from out of state investors who bought property without ever seeing it and then were having issues. 
2. Buy in an area that’s convenient to your own home if you plan to manage it yourself. Doing maintenance and repairs on homes that are far away can be difficult.
3. Buy in an area that has public transportation. It opens open your pool of potential renters to those that rely on public transportation.
4. Check out the neighborhood as if you were … (9 comments)

The Heritage at Vinings in Smyrna GA - 01/14/11 10:53 PM
The Heritage at Vinings is a neighborhood of 188 homes built 1998 to 2002 by one of Atlanta's leading home builders, John Wieland. Heritage at Vinings is a swim tennis community in Smyrna, GA. There are 3 homes currently on the market and they are in the low 400's. In 2010 12 homes sold ranging in price from $314,000 to $415,000.

See all the homes for sale in the Heritage at Vinings.
 
 
Heritage at Vinings is located off of Atlanta Rd with convenient access to I-285. Nearby shopping includes Cumberland Mall, Costco, Kroger and Publix grocery stores. … (4 comments)

Atlanta Snow Pictures - 01/13/11 11:03 PM
The Atlanta Snow was beautiful at first. In the 14 years I've been in Atlanta, seeing this much snow is a first. We may get 1 day of snow a year. It flurries, puts a little covering on the grass and then melts by the next day. Metro Atlanta schools are closed for a 5th day tomorrow because of the 5 inches of snow we got on Sunday night January 11, 2011.  It's not just the snow though, after the snow came freezing rain and made everything a sheet of ice.  By Saturday, we should thaw out. Atlantans are ready for that!


… (8 comments)

Multiple Offers in Atlanta and how to make sure yours gets accepted - 01/13/11 12:01 AM
Multiple Offers and how to make sure yours gets Accepted
I know we don't hear the term multiple offers as often as we used to, but they are still out there.  What makes your offer strong?  The right offer price, of course.
Are you asking for seller paid closing costs? The less you ask for, the stronger your offer is.
Are you not giving earnest money because it's a short sale and you think you should wait until bank approval? That makes your offer weak against the buyers who are willing to show good faith.  Remember, if the bank doesn't approve … (10 comments)

Real Estate Agent Opportunities at Keller Williams Realty - 01/11/11 07:09 PM
It seems with every day there are new opportunities.   Yesterday it was announced that Zip Realty is changing things and closing 11 of their market centers including Atlanta, GA.   See the Inman News article.
I invite all Zip Realty agents and any other agent looking for a change to check out Keller Williams Realty.

Why?
On Thursday January 13 Keller Williams Realty Commercial is hosting the SE Area Commercial Conference being held at the Gwinnett Civic Center from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.  This is a great opportunity to check out Keller Williams Commercial division.  
On Friday January 14, 2011 we … (2 comments)

It's Freezing Inside! - 01/09/11 09:39 PM
It's freezing inside -  Here's a peek into my job as an Atlanta Realtor.  I truly love my job, but this picture shows something I could do without.  The picture is of a thermostat in a home I was in this morning.

It was 37 degrees inside and I had gone over to check to make sure the utilities were on before our Tuesday inspection.  The power is on, but no gas, so there's no heat.
I was talking to a seller from California yesterday who owns a property here in Atlanta that I'm listing.  She asked if it got cold enough for … (8 comments)

Homestead Exemption in Cobb County GA - 01/08/11 11:39 PM
 Homestead Exemption in Cobb County GA - Homestead Exemption is a reduction in the property tax you pay on your primary residence.  Homestead exemption is one of the benefits of home ownership. None of the exemptions are automatic.  You must apply for all of them. You can apply for exemptions anytime by mail or in person; but you have to apply by April 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year.  If you don't file by April 1, you won't get the exemption for that tax year, no exceptions.
Thankfully, you don't have to file for exemption every year.  Do it once and its automatically renewed.  If a change in ownership … (2 comments)

What's that Neighborhood Like? - 01/07/11 10:50 PM
What's that neighborhood like? One of the best ways to determine if you'll like a particular metro Atlanta neighborhood is to drive through it on a sunny weekend day. Why? That's when the neighbors will be out in the yard. Stop and say, Hi, I'm thinking of moving into this area, how do you like it? People will talk. You'll hear if cars speed too fast through the streets, you'll hear about the families and how long people have lived there. If they love it, they will tell you. If they don't like a neighbor, they'll tell you why. People will … (7 comments)

Tax Consequences of a Short Sale - 01/06/11 09:43 PM
Tax consequences of a Short Sale - This question keeps coming up with home sellers inquiring about Atlanta short sales and the tax ramifications.  There seems to be lots of misinformation floating around.  While I am not a CPA, I looked this up after I heard that an accountant gave out information contrary to what we can read in simple English on www.IRS.gov.

If your mortgage debt is partially or completely forgiven (for example a short sale or foreclosure) during tax years 2007 through 2012, you may be able to claim special tax relief and exclude the debt forgiven from your income.   Instead … (3 comments)

Free Get Organized Workshops Saturdays in January - 01/05/11 11:16 PM
Free Get Organized Workshops Saturdays in January - With the new year many of us have goals to be more organized in something.  Well, one of my favorite Decatur GA businesses, Finder's Keepers  is hosting free workshops at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays in the month of January 2011. 
January 8th: Creative Order
Suellen Germani, certified Life Coach and Organizer, will help you clear the road to your goals by helping you identify and eliminate your "Life Clutter," which often claims the time, space, and energy that could instead be used to pursue your passions. Her workshop will outline four key elements to developing … (2 comments)

Jonesboro GA Home for Sale on 2.2 acres - 01/04/11 11:18 PM
Fantastic Jonesboro GA home for sale.  60 Spivey Chase is now available for a bargain price of $255,000.
Enjoy views from your rocking chair front porch on this 2.2 acre cul de sac property. This home has tons of great space (4,463 square feet) with a formal living room & dining room that connects to spacious eat-in kitchen.

You'll fall in love with the vaulted ceiling in the family room with brick masonry fireplace. A wall of French doors lead to the sun room on the back of the house.
A generous master bedroom on the main floor showcases another … (10 comments)

Hiring a Buyer's Agent - 01/03/11 09:04 AM
I'm looking to hire an excellent buyer's agent for the metro Atlanta Area.
Are you Motivated? Service oriented? Professional? If you are Licensed that would be a major plus, but if not we have a real estate school starting in January.  Ask me how you can attend for free!
This past weekend (a holiday) I had 43 buyer inquiries call me.  That's not even counting internet leads and 24 hour Information Line calls.  I need someone that can respond quickly and follow up.

As an Atlanta buyer's agent, you no longer have to coordinate your own closings - my closing coordinator does this for … (12 comments)

Christmas Tree Recycling in Cobb County GA - 01/02/11 09:18 AM
Cobb Christmas Tree Recycling - Now that Christmas is over, Keep Cobb Beautiful is inviting everyone to "Bring One for the Chipper", and recycle your Christmas tree.  In appreciation of your recycling efforts, participants will receive a seedling on January 8th while supplies last at Home Depot, Lost Mountain Park and Sewell Park. "Bring One For the Chipper" is sponsored state-wide by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs' Keep Georgia Beautiful program Georgia Power Company, The Home Depot, The Davey Tree Company, Cobb EMC, WXIA-TV, and local Keep America Beautiful affiliates. Home Depot Locations will accept trees only on January 8th, 2011 from 9 … (6 comments)

Common Questions about Earnest Money in Atlanta - 01/01/11 10:14 PM
Common Questions about Earnest Money - The following should answer common questions about earnest money when buying a home in Georgia.


What is earnest money? Earnest money is the money a buyer puts down to show the seller good faith that the buyer is serious about purchasing the home.

What happens to the earnest money? It is credited to the buyer at closing.
What if I don't close, can I get it back? Yes, if a termination and release is done by the end of the due diligence period. In Georgia, both buyer and seller need to sign … (2 comments)

 
Jen%20bowman%202012%20headshot Rainmaker_large

Jen Bowman, Realtor with teams on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, FL & Atlanta GA

Holmes Beach, FL

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty

Address: 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217

Office Phone: (941) 840-0117

Cell Phone: (404) 456-5024

Email Me

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Jen Bowman, Keller Williams Realty

Real Estate Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory

Author Bio: Jen Bowman is a Realtor and Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty in Atlanta, GA and Anna Maria Island, FL. Jen is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and certified in Short Sales.



Listings
Radius%20lighting
$750,000
3 br, 3 ba, 2,350 sqft
This is not just a condo, it's a home in the sky! Live comfortably in a Midto...

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog